Vertebral Augmentation

Purpose of Procedure

A vertebral augmentation is a minimally invasive procedure to repair your compression fracture(s), which are common results of osteoporosis. Your doctor will use imaging guidance to inject a cement mixture into the fractured bone. Pain relief is immediate for some patients. In others, pain is eliminated or reduced within a few days. Pain resulting from the procedure will typically diminish within two or three days.

Before Your Procedure

Do not eat 8 hours before and drink 4 hours before your procedure is scheduled. You may take medications with a sip of water. Certain medications may increase your risk of bleeding and may need to be held prior to your procedure. You may resume these medications the day after your procedure unless otherwise instructed.

During Your Procedure

You will be given a mild sedative and pain medication to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. You will also be given local anesthesia to numb the treated area. The radiologist will insert a needle into the damaged vertebrae and bone cement will be injected into the vertebrae to stabilize it. You may feel a tapping sensation and pressure in your back during the procedure.

After Your Procedure

Following the vertebral augmentation, you will be on bedrest for a set number of hours. The exact number of bedrest hours will be determined by the radiologist. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. A bandage will be placed on the incision site.

You may feel sore at the point of needle insertion for two to three days after the procedure. You can use an ice pack to relieve any discomfort. Be sure to protect your skin from the ice with a cloth and only ice the area for 15 minutes per hour.

Gradually increase your activity as you return to your normal daily activities. Follow discharge instructions for further care on incision site and activity level.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please discuss them with your provider.